Blog > How Much Are Buyer Closing Costs in Maricopa, AZ — and Who Pays What?
2025 Local Guide · Skimmable · 100% sourced
How Much Are Buyer Closing Costs in Maricopa, AZ in 2025 — and Who Pays What?
Short answer: Arizona buyers typically pay about 2%–5% of the purchase price in closing costs. Exact amounts vary by lender, title/escrow filings, and contract negotiations. See what's typical in Maricopa, who pays which fees in Arizona, and how to lower your cash-to-close — with official sources linked throughout.
TL;DR
- Typical buyer range: ~2%–5% of price (Arizona). Source.
- Who pays what (customary in AZ): Buyer usually pays lender's title policy + most lender fees; seller commonly pays owner's title policy. Title company guidance.
- Recording fee (Maricopa County): many documents record at $30 per document. Official fee schedule.
- Escrow fees: Based on filed Arizona rate schedules (title/escrow), may be split or negotiated. AZ DIFI filings.
What do buyer closing costs include in Arizona?
Common items: lender charges (origination, underwriting), appraisal, credit report, title services and lender's title insurance, escrow/settlement, recording, prepaids (interest, homeowners insurance, property taxes), and any HOA transfer/estoppel fees if applicable. Arizona has no state real estate transfer tax. See AZ-specific guidance and averages from Bankrate and a statewide overview from Houzeo.
How much are buyer closing costs in Maricopa (with examples)?
Because fees are filed by title/escrow companies and vary by loan, condition, and contract credits, it's most accurate to plan using a percentage range. For Arizona buyers, ~2%–5% of purchase price is a practical planning range, per Bankrate and other sources. Example math:
- $350,000 purchase: 2%–5% ≈ $7,000–$17,500 (before any seller credits).
- $475,000 purchase: 2%–5% ≈ $9,500–$23,750 (before credits).
Want a line-item estimate? Use a title company calculator (e.g., Old Republic Title or Fidelity's calculator) and compare with your lender's Loan Estimate.
In Arizona, who pays what at closing?
| Item | Customary Payer in AZ* | Notes & Sources |
|---|---|---|
| Lender fees (origination, underwriting, credit) | Buyer | Varies by lender and program; compare quotes. Bankrate |
| Appraisal | Buyer | Third-party. Often paid upfront. Bankrate |
| Title services + lender's title policy | Buyer | Customary for buyer to purchase lender's policy in AZ. Pioneer Title |
| Owner's title policy | Seller (customary) | Often paid by seller in AZ. Confirm in contract. Pioneer Title |
| Escrow/settlement fee | Often split or negotiated | Fees are based on filed AZ schedules. AZ DIFI |
| Recording (deed, deed of trust, etc.) | Buyer for buyer's docs | Maricopa County: many documents are $30 per document. Recorder fee schedule |
| HOA transfer/estoppel | Varies by HOA & negotiation | Check community disclosures. |
*Customs can vary by county, market conditions, and contract. Always defer to your executed purchase contract and your title/escrow officer's filed rate schedule.
What are typical Arizona escrow & title fee patterns?
Escrow companies in Arizona publish filed rate schedules with the state (e.g., WFG, Pioneer Title). These schedules outline how escrow fees scale by transaction amount and note any add-ons. See examples: WFG AZ escrow manual and Pioneer Title 2025 fee schedule. Use an underwriter's calculator like Old Republic Fee Navigator.
How can I lower my cash to close in Maricopa?
Pro Tips for Reducing Closing Costs:
- Compare at least 3 lenders and ask for a points/no-points option — fees vary significantly.
- Request your Loan Estimate within 3 days of application to compare line-by-line costs.
- Shop title insurance — you can choose your title company in Arizona.
- Ask for seller concessions where market conditions allow; caps may apply per loan type.
- Time your closing mid-month to reduce prepaid interest; verify timing with your lender.
- Review your Closing Disclosure 3 days before closing for accuracy and negotiate any errors.
What closing cost assistance is available in Maricopa?
Arizona offers several programs for qualified buyers. Popular options include Arizona Housing Finance Authority (AzHFA) down payment assistance, USDA Rural Development programs for qualifying areas, and VA loans with reduced fees for veterans. Local credit unions and community banks often have first-time buyer programs. Always verify current terms and eligibility with a licensed lender in Maricopa.
Important Maricopa-specific considerations
City of Maricopa utilities commonly include Electric District 3 (ED3), Global Water, and South West Gas. Budget for utility deposits and connection fees separate from closing costs. HOA communities like Province, Cobblestone Farms, and Glennwilde may have transfer fees ranging from $200–$800.
Ready to get your exact closing cost estimate?
Since 2002, James Sanson has guided thousands of successful closings in Maricopa with hundreds of five‑star reviews. Get a free, no‑obligation consultation and a custom plan to reduce your cash to close.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What's the average closing cost for buyers in Maricopa? Planning on 2%–5% of the purchase price is reasonable for Arizona buyers; your actual amount depends on your loan type, title/escrow schedule, and any seller credits. Bankrate source.
- Who pays title insurance in Arizona? Customarily the buyer pays the lender's policy and the seller pays the owner's policy — always confirm in your purchase contract. Pioneer Title guidance.
- Are escrow fees split between buyer and seller? They're often split or negotiated; fees follow filed rate schedules with the Arizona Department of Insurance and Financial Institutions. AZ DIFI.
- How much are recording fees in Maricopa County? Many documents record at $30 per document according to the county's official fee schedule. Maricopa County Recorder.
- Does Arizona charge a state transfer tax? No, Arizona does not impose a state real estate transfer tax, helping keep closing costs lower than many other states. Bankrate confirmation.
Helpful calculators & official resources
- Bankrate — average closing costs by state (2025)
- Houzeo — AZ buyer closing cost calculator
- Maricopa County Recorder — official recording fees
- Arizona DIFI — escrow rate filings (title/escrow companies)
- Pioneer Title — who pays what in Arizona (buyer vs seller)
- Maricopa Market Snapshot — current market conditions affecting negotiations
About the Author: James Sanson has been a licensed realtor since 2002, helping thousands of buyers and sellers in Maricopa navigate closings successfully. With hundreds of five-star reviews and extensive local market knowledge, James provides accurate, up-to-date guidance on Arizona real estate transactions.
This page is for general education only and is not legal, tax, or lending advice. Always verify your final numbers on the Closing Disclosure issued at least three business days before signing. Consult with licensed professionals for specific guidance.
This is just informational and educational